Was 149 before tariffs
If you’re near Canada, consider grabbing one from Best Buy Canada.
Alden said:
If you’re near Canada, consider grabbing one from Best Buy Canada.
They would likely still charge tariffs when you return to the US, though.
Alden said:
If you’re near Canada, consider grabbing one from Best Buy Canada.
They would likely still charge tariffs when you return to the US, though.
Just ditch the box and fly it there. They don’t charge tariffs every time you cross the border with personal items. I wouldn’t give a dime to this ridiculous government making terrible policies.
@Alden
True, it’s illegal. But would you get caught? Probably not.
I.kyle2 said:
@Alden
True, it’s illegal. But would you get caught? Probably not.
If there’s no box, it’s not illegal.
I.kyle2 said:
@Alden
True, it’s illegal. But would you get caught? Probably not.
If there’s no box, it’s not illegal.
It’s still illegal; it just makes it harder for them to prove. Best to buy it with cash.
@Freddie
What? Are you the type that thinks you’ll get a ticket for jaywalking?
I.kyle2 said:
@Alden
True, it’s illegal. But would you get caught? Probably not.
I don’t think it’s illegal. It’s similar to buying something duty-free in another country.
I.kyle2 said:
@Alden
True, it’s illegal. But would you get caught? Probably not.
I don’t think it’s illegal. It’s similar to buying something duty-free in another country.
Best Buy isn’t duty-free. You have to declare items purchased in Canada.
@I.kyle2
Is there a dollar limit or item specification? Chips? AA batteries? Rechargeable ones? It seems a lot more complicated than just any item.
Hal said:
@I.kyle2
Is there a dollar limit or item specification? Chips? AA batteries? Rechargeable ones? It seems a lot more complicated than just any item.
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/kbyg/types-exemptions
The exemption depends on how long you’ve been out of the country. It’s not per item, but for everything you’re bringing back. Technically, you should declare almost everything. People typically simplify it to just saying “a $1000 laptop” or “$200 in groceries.” Most of the time, they just wave you through, or you get sent to secondary inspection to pay your tax bill.
Things get serious if they doubt your declaration or choose to examine everything you brought back.
Hal said:
@I.kyle2
Is there a dollar limit or item specification? Chips? AA batteries? Rechargeable ones? It seems a lot more complicated than just any item.
There is a limit, and it depends on what you’re bringing back. Food is generally more lenient than a drone, for instance. I’ve only brought back beer (which I declared and was not taxed on).
I.kyle2 said:
@Alden
True, it’s illegal. But would you get caught? Probably not.
I don’t think it’s illegal. It’s similar to buying something duty-free in another country.
You can’t just buy something and bring it back into the US tax-free unless it falls under exemptions. Going the other way, we have a form you’re supposed to use before crossing into the US, tracking serial numbers to avoid issues when coming back to Canada. No one I know actually uses it, but everyone should be prepared to show proof that you didn’t buy the item while on vacation. If you’ve ever been sent to secondary inspection to pay duties and taxes, you know they scrutinize everything if they don’t believe your declaration (jewelry, electronics, designer items, etc.). Making false declarations and importing banned items (even something as simple as fruit) are top reasons for getting your membership revoked. There’s no warning, as they expect you to know the rules. I value that membership too much to risk it.
@Cameron
It’s a battery or a drone. If it’s unboxed and sitting in the trunk, do you really think they care? They won’t.
Jin said:
@Cameron
It’s a battery or a drone. If it’s unboxed and sitting in the trunk, do you really think they care? They won’t.
Illegal? Yes. Odds of getting caught? About 0.5%. But if you are caught, it’d be a huge headache: fines, losing the drone, etc. It’s a gamble you’d have to be willing to take.
@Cameron
Haha, you Americans have terrible laws. It’s definitely not the same here in Australia.
Dani said:
@Cameron
Haha, you Americans have terrible laws. It’s definitely not the same here in Australia.
Are you sure?
https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/can-you-bring-it-in/categories/duty-free
If you bring back a $1000 AUD DJI drone, you can’t take advantage of the $900 duty-free exemption.
You should watch a few episodes of Border Security 
These rules are pretty universal, and they exist to prevent people from buying expensive items abroad and avoiding taxes. Here in Canada, we even have a $0 exemption (for trips less than 24 hours) to deter shopping across the border during day trips.
@Cameron
Didn’t know that. Doesn’t mean everyone does though.
Dani said:
@Cameron
Didn’t know that. Doesn’t mean everyone does though.
Have you ever filled out a traveler declaration form when returning to Australia? You’re supposed to declare goods over your duty-free exemption.
Admittedly, Canadian and American travelers are more cautious because, unlike most of the world, we don’t have easy “declare” and “nothing to declare” lines when returning home. We have to go through combined immigration/customs and give a verbal declaration to an officer, which can feel strange.